- 20 years experience
- California LCSW
- Focus on codependency
About Shawna
Shawna Chandler is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people take the first steps toward calmer days and clearer relationships. She focuses on stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. Shawna uses a warm, nonjudgmental approach so people can talk honestly about what they are feeling.
She has two decades of experience in social work and brings practical support to difficult problems. Sessions aim to create space for clients to notice what matters to them and to build small, manageable changes. Shawna encourages steps that fit into everyday life rather than sudden overhauls.
Her way of working blends strategies that teach new skills with listening that helps clients feel heard. She draws on methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and approaches that target trauma symptoms. These tools are used alongside supportive conversation to help people manage overwhelming feelings and improve day-to-day functioning.
Shawna often helps people who are dealing with relationship conflict, codependency patterns, abandonment worries, caregiving stress, or the aftermath of domestic violence and separation. She also supports those coping with personality-related challenges, co-morbid conditions, and concerns that come with aging and chronic caregiving roles.
People who choose Shawna can expect steady, practical guidance and encouragement. She helps set realistic goals and works collaboratively so clients can see what progress feels like. Her practice is based in California and sessions are conducted in English.
How therapeutic approaches shape online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and commit to actions that reflect their values. It is useful for anxiety, low mood, and feeling stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and provides tools to change patterns that keep problems going. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, addresses distress tied to traumatic memories by working through upsetting images and sensations in a structured way.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shawna talks with each person about goals and preferences and then suggests methods to try. Together they monitor what helps and adjust the plan so the approach fits the client rather than the other way around.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats offered before booking. Many people appreciate that online sessions can fit into busy schedules, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Working this way still allows for skill practice, emotion regulation work, and trauma-focused interventions when appropriate, and it can make it easier to keep therapy consistent with daily life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Shawna commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, low self esteem, and depression. Additional focuses include codependency, abandonment, caregiving stress, domestic violence, divorce and separation, and related issues.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style combines listening with practical skill building. Sessions mix supportive, client-centered conversation with exercises from cognitive and mindfulness-based approaches.
How long has she practiced?
She has about 20 years of professional experience in social work helping people with emotional and relational concerns.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - practicing in California.
In which languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not taking international clients at this time.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to start working with her?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.